Universal Robots Expands Distribution in Eastern and Western United States

Since entering the North American market in 2012, Universal
Robots has become the trailblazer of lightweight, user-friendly
robots that can operate right alongside employees. The increase in
demand for this new type of robot has led the robot manufacturer to
increase distribution on both east and west coasts.

Ed Mullen, National Sales Manager of Universal Robots in North America,
says that the distributors were carefully chosen in a competitive field
of potential candidates:

"We were looking to add some pneumatic centric distributors. With this
type of distributor, the level of penetration into small accounts is
much higher. The typical pneumatic distributor has 2-3 times the end
user customer base than an electro-mechanical distributor and we found
that in both Numatic
Engineering and Intek
Systems," says Mullen adding that the expansion
will help address the recent surge in customer interest in Universal
Robots within the small and medium sized segments:

"Not only have we been able toacquirelarge accounts,
supplying the first collaborative robots to BMW and VW, we've also been
able to get our robots on the shop floors of many smaller businesses
that never thought they'd be able to employ a robot due to cost and
complexity."

Steve Leach, President of Numatic Engineering, says that adding
Universal Robots to the line card fills a significant gap in the market:

"Our customers need a flexible robot that's easy to operate and
integrate into existing production. A robot they can quickly reprogram
and move to a new production task. I predict that this will become our
largest-selling robotic solution."

"I've been in this business for 35 years, and have never before
experienced our sales people calling in - before we even get the demo
model - saying, 'I want to be the first to take this robot out.' There
really is an unprecedented amount of interest in Universal Robots," says
Leach.

In Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Southern New Jersey, Intek Systems
is seeing the industry demand for UR robots run the gamut from
packaging, assembly, medical appliances to metal fabrication. The new
Universal Robots distributor is holding a number of seminars and on
sight customer presentations showcasing the obot arms throughout their
territory.

"These seminars have resulted in immediate purchase commitment or budget
allocations. This is one of the most exciting products we've offered as
a company in a long time. The Universal Robot has generated a lot of
interest and is a real door opener for our salesman. We're expecting
significant growth this year in our territory from Universal Robot,"
says Intek president Bob Hailstone.

The UR robots

Universal Robots is a result of many years of intensive research in
robotics. The product portfolio includes the UR5
and UR10
models that handle payloads of up to 11.3 lbs. and 22.6 lbs.
respectively. The six-axis robot arms weigh as little as 40 lbs. with
reach capabilities of up to 51 inches. Repeatability of+/- .004"
allows quick precision handling of even microscopically small parts.

If the robots come into contact with an employee, the built-in force
control limits the forces at contact and does not cause bodily harm,
adhering to the current safety requirements on force and torque
limitations. With Universal Robots it is easy to develop applications
that can run without shielding. A thorough risk assessment must however
always be made.

The collaborative robots can quickly be moved around the production
sites and are easily integrated in all industries-from the small machine
shop to the large auto assembly line. Payback period is typically 3-8
months.

Universal Robots is a first mover within a new segment of collaborative
robots focusing on user friendliness and flexibility. Since the first UR
robot entered the market in 2009, the company has seen substantial
growth with the robotic arms now being sold in 50 countries worldwide.
The company is headquartered in Odense, Denmark where all development
and production is carried out.